Being a caregiver is overwhelming and relentless. It’s mostly a thankless job with little or no time to give to yourself. There are primary and secondary losses to being a primary caregiver to the sick and aging.
Anticipatory Grief~ Preparing to Say Goodbye
While most people associate grief with the aftermath of a loss, grief can also begin before the loss occurs-a phenomenon known as anticipatory grief. This kind of grief arises when individuals begin mourning in advance, often in response to a terminal diagnosis or a slow decline of someone they love. Unlike the grief we typically know, anticipatory grief encompasses a mix of hope, dread, and preparation, making it a uniquely layered experience.